On the Gaydar: April LGBT Events

The Mr. Gay competition is coming back to our fair city for another round of sexy strutting. Slated for Nov. 4 and 5, Philly’s own Bruce Yelk, to plan the competition weekend. This month, we must search high and low to find Philly’s finest gay man to represent us and compete for the national title. The competition is open to any gay resident of the city or five-county region who wants the opportunity to fight for the title. And a valuable title it is—last year’s local winner, Ryan Mattis, went on to finish first runner-up in the national competition. All entrants will compete in two preliminary rounds of competition: evening/club wear and swimsuit. The top five scorers from prelims advance to the finals, which is a Q&A session featuring questions by the hosts and judges, which include Village Voice gossip columnist Michael Musto and Paper Magazine ’s Mickey Boardman. In addition to all the man candy strutting around onstage, there are several ensemble drag performances similar to those that brought down the house at last month’s production of “Dragapalooza: Broadway Divas.” Frank DeCaro from Sirius OUTQ Radio and local drag personality Brittany Lynn will reprise their role as co-hosts. VIP guests get to mingle with the celebs and judges during a pre-show reception.

Sat., April 16, 9pm. Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772. nightlifegay.com

Dining Out for Life

Decades before marriage equality, hate crimes and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” came to dominate the discourse about gay rights and policy, the central issue facing our community was HIV and AIDS. Whereas the newer LGBT issues concern equal rights and protection, the HIV crisis is a different matter altogether. HIV is preventable and treatable, but without a cure and without access to medication in many parts of the world, it remains a global health crisis. Join thousands across the Delaware Valley for the region’s single-largest fundraising event this month, Dining Out for Life. More than 200 Philadelphia-area restaurants will participate in this evening of philanthropy and awareness. A portion of each meal sold at participating restaurants (33 percent) will provide medical care and outreach programming to men, women and children suffering from HIV and AIDS in our region. What’s so wonderful about this event is that the charitable donation is taken directly from the cost of your meal—there is no additional fee for the event. Complacency is not an option. We must continue working on improved treatments, preventive messages and ultimately—a cure.

From April 25 through May 1, the international gay community will take root in Philadelphia for a week of educational panels, live performances, community gatherings and celebratory parties. Many nongay Philadelphians have only recently heard of Malcolm Lazin in connection with his run for one of City Council’s at-large seats. But the LGBT community has benefitted from his advocacy and leadership efforts. Lazin has transformed Equality Forum from a grassroots community-building function into arguably the world’s most important LGBT event by focusing on civil liberties, advocacy, public policy and global activism. Events this year include SundayOUT at the Piazza (May 1), the International Equality Dinner at the National Constitution Center (April 30), and the Zane Booker Dance Tribute (April 29). In addition, Equality Forum will feature several discussion panels on key policy issues throughout the week, as well as the 12th Annual Gay and Lesbian Art Exhibit at the University of the Arts. Several special nightlife events will take place periodically during the week, including the “Men’s Party” at Q Lounge (April 30) and “Girl Fever” at Sister’s (April 30). Equality Forum deserves the support of those who live and work in its host city, so take a look at the schedule and plan your week now.

Mon., April 25–Sun., May 1. Various Center City Venues. 215.732.3378. equalityforum.com